Two incumbents ousted in Jacksonville City Council race

One new and one familiar face will be joining the two incumbents re-elected to the Jacksonville City Council, according to unofficial election results from Tuesday's votes.

Jerry Bittner, who previously served six consecutive years on the council, toppled incumbent Reva Sullivan Ward 2. Bittner garnered 698 to Sullivan's 386 votes.

Bob Warden was the top vote-getter in a field of seven vying for two open at-large seats. Warden received 1,520 votes followed by incumbent Randy Thomas's 969 votes. Incumbent Alva Williams was edged out with 891 votes followed by Hunter Hadley Jr. at 787, Lori Ready at 465, Kevin O'Connor at 248 and James Bryan with 187.

Jerome Willingham, who was uncontested in his bid for re-election, garnered 126 of the 142 votes cast in Ward 1.

The votes remain unofficial until Tuesday's canvass by the Onslow County Board of Elections.

Here is some information about those who will be leading the city:

Sammy Phillips

Mayor

Currently serving a four-year term

What is your priority for council? I think the first priority would be to schedule a retreat meeting where we can sit down and basically come to some understanding about the rules we’re going to operate under. More of just a familiarization type meeting.

What is your vision for council? To continue to strive to make Jacksonville a city we can all be proud of. To ensure that our citizens receive the qualify of life that they expect from their city such as providing essential services like police, fire, water, sewer and sanitation. Respond to the large influx of new military personnel and dependants that have been scheduled to come to our area.

Randy Thomas

At-Large

Re-elected incumbent

What is your priority for council? I guess that just depends on who is elected with me.

What is your vision for council? My vision is all about making it a more livable city. My vision is maximizing the returns on the revenues received.

Jerry Bittner

Ward 2

Newly elected but previously served as a councilman for six consecutive years

What is your priority for council? Hiring the city manager. I think that is one of the most important issues facing city council.

What is your vision for council? We have to restore a sense of unity in doing what's best for the community ... not get into petty politics and personality clashes. We need to concentrate on city and community issues — not on personalities.

Fannie Coleman

Ward 4

Currently serving four-year term

What is your priority for council? I just like to see the city growing — growth is my priority.

What is your vision for council? We could be better ... I'd like for us to stay together instead of being divided.

Bob Warden

At-Large

Newly elected

What is your priority for council? In the case of Jacksonville, I'd say looking at our options for a new city manager. No. 2 would be to make sure we're all pulling in the same direction for the citizens of Jacksonville.

What is your vision for council? I would say, I am not a divider or a polarizer. I am a firm believer that everybody has something to contribute. I want to be sure that we're all working for the same thing, which is for the betterment of the citizens of Jacksonville. I believe the citizens of Jacksonville deserve a council and a manager that are all working together for the citizens.

Jerome Willingham

Ward 1

Re-elected incumbent

Did not respond to requests by The Daily News for comment.

Michael Lazzara

Ward 3

Currently serving a four-year term

What is your priority for council? I think the first priority is going to be to obviously get into a retreat and a planning session with the new council members and get them acclimated on our past council goals and set new planning strategies for the future. No. 2 is to solidify the city manager selection and follow that through.

What is your vision for council? I would like for the new city council to work together as a group for the betterment of the citizens of Jacksonville and to leave personal agendas aside and work as a union. That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to agree with each other but to be proactive planners and work towards common goals that we all agree upon during the planning sessions.